Mukhtar's blessed fingers fashioning shades from his instrument that people only dream of
Written by: Fatima Queti*

Mukhtar is an internationally recognized performer on the Oud (Arab lute) who has played in London, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Vienna and Geneva. He has devoted his life to the mastery of this instrument and the study of the history and theory of Arab music.

Mukhtar was invited by the Oxford Middle East Society to perform in the Holywell Theatre of Oxford University. The concert, entitled "Taqasim Sharqiyah", was an oriental solo where he played some of his new pieces and musical improvisations on the Oud, such as Maqam Rast, Maqam Hijaz Kar, Maqam Pastani Kar, Jahargah and Maqam Al-Kindy (founded by the Arab philosopher Al-Kindi (801-866) and discovered by Mukhtar in 2000). Among his own compositions played were Heeda, Ata'ar, Oriental Eyes, Midnight and Andalusia.

Mukhtar derives his musical inspirations from oriental maqam music, especially the Oud music of the Iraqi school, and his research of the heritage of Arabic music led him to discover a new maqam related to the Arab philosopher Al-Kindy.

His music is rooted in this rich and complex tradition while also taking it in unique new directions. "It reflects history, sadness, mysticism... His playing takes you to the cafes, alleys and minarets of Baghdad... an evocation of exploring your soul on the banks of the Tigris."

"His blessed fingers fashioning shades and shapes from his instrument that most people can only dream of. Veering from sprightly melodic segments to passages of innovative strokes and strums; the effect is a unique excursion to the heart and soul's sensual acoustics."

As well as performing, Mukhtar spoke about the history of the oud, which is at the heart of Arab music, with its evocative and soulful tones. He also explained aspects of technique and music theory, speaking about different methods of playing, the number of strings used in the past in different countries and the strings that had been added to the Oud later. He also referred to the difference between solo performance and traditional melodic playing.

The concert was our last event this term and was certain to be its cultural highlight. The concert took place at 8pm, Wednesday 7th March

*Committee of the Middle East Society in Oxford / Oxford Internet Newspaper U.K. 14. 3. 2001